Search results
An oxymoron is a combination of two words that, together, express a contradictory meaning. This device is often used for emphasis, for humor, to create tension, or to illustrate a paradox (see next entry for more information on paradoxes). Examples: Deafening silence, organized chaos, cruelly kind, insanely logical, etc.
- Rhetorical Devices
One of the most famous examples of parallelism in literature...
- Complete List of Crucible Characters
Common Discussion Topics for The Crucible Characters. Now...
- Assonance
Analyzing literature can be pretty confusing, especially if...
- Points of View
Think of it this way: in literature, point of view and...
- Tone Words
Let’s take a look at two examples of tone words in classic...
- Money and Materialism
At the beginning of the novel they move to fashionable East...
- The Most Important Themes in This Play
In one of the most well-known quotes in the play, John...
- Green Light in The Great Gatsby
The Meaning and Significance of the Green Light in The Great...
- Rhetorical Devices
Jun 2, 2022 · An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory words with opposing meanings, like “old news,” “deafening silence,” or “organized chaos.”. Oxymorons may seem illogical at first, but in context they usually make sense. Oxymorons can be clearly confusing (see what we did there?), so this article explains everything you ...
- Oxymoron Definition
- Oxymoron Examples
- Origins of Oxymoron
- Oxymoron in Literature
- Common Oxymorons
- Oxymoron in Language and Grammar
- Oxymoron in Context
- Frequently Asked Questions
Pin An oxymoronis a figure of speech that combines two contradictory or incongruous words to create a meaningful expression. It is derived from the Greek words “oxys” meaning “sharp, keen” and “moros” meaning “foolish.” By juxtaposing opposing ideas, oxymorons can evoke a deeper or hidden truth and are often used for emphasis, humor, or thought-pro...
Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side, creating an interesting and sometimes humorous effect. These rhetorical devices can often be found in literature, conversation, and everyday speech. Oxymorons in sentences often illustrate the complexity of human emotions or situations and can add depth to ch...
The term “oxymoron” has its roots in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek words “oxys,” meaning sharp or pointed, and “moros,” meaning foolish or stupid. The combination of these two seemingly contradictory words gives the term its meaning of a figure of speech that combines two contradictory ideas. The use of oxymora can be traced back to a...
Oxymoron is a literary device that has been used by many famous writers throughout history, including Shakespeare, Tennyson, Alexander Pope, Lord Byron, and Oscar Wilde. It is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms or ideas, often resulting in a striking or humorous effect. In Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet uses an ...
Oxymorons are a popular literary device that combines two contradicting words to create a unique phrase. These phrases are often used to add humor or emphasize a point, and they can be found in literature, pop culture, and everyday speech. Here are some of the most common oxymorons: 1. Sweet sorrow: This oxymoron was popularized by Shakespeare’s Ro...
Oxymorons are figures of speech that combine two contradictory terms or ideas, often for comical or ironic effect. They are commonly used in literature, but also have a place in language and grammar. In writing, oxymorons can be used to create a sense of tension or contradiction. For example, the phrase “proud humility” combines two seemingly oppos...
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory words or phrases to create a new meaning. It may seem illogical at first, but in context, it can reveal a deeper or hidden truth. Here are some examples of oxymorons in different contexts: Love Love is often associated with positive emotions, but it can also be painful and complex. T...
What is the definition of an oxymoron? An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory words or phrases to create a new meaning. It is a literary device that is used to add depth and complexity to a piece of writing. Oxymorons often seem illogical or contradictory at first glance, but in context, they can make sense. Can you provide s...
100 Examples of Oxymorons. Like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons are often found in literature. As shown by this list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are also part of our everyday speech. Here, you'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. absent presence (Sidney 1591)
- Definition of Oxymoron. Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms.
- Common Examples of Oxymoron. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday expression: Only choice. Same difference. Friendly fire. Virtual reality.
- Usage of Oxymoron in Speech or Writing. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday writing or conversation: My sister and I had a friendly fight over the lipstick.
- Famous Oxymorons. Think you haven’t heard of any famous oxymorons? Here are some well-known and recognizable examples of this figure of speech: Titles. Little Bighorn Battlefield (national monument in Montana)
Jan 26, 2023 · 1. Metaphor. Metaphors, also known as direct comparisons, are one of the most common literary devices. A metaphor is a statement in which two objects, often unrelated, are compared to each other. Example of metaphor: This tree is the god of the forest. Obviously, the tree is not a god—it is, in fact, a tree.
In literature, juxtaposition is an effective literary device in that readers gain greater meaning through measuring the tension of similarities and differences between two paired elements. Here are some examples of juxtaposition in literature and how this literary device adds to the value of literary works: Example 1: Naming of Parts (Henry Reed)
